Charitable Giving Works Year Round
The holiday season is traditionally known as “the giving time”, but donations are needed throughout the year at various organizations. This is no more prevalent than in charitable donations and the nonprofit organizations/entities affiliated with them. Let us look more closely at a sampling of the various local avenues you can get involved with.
The United Way is known as the ‘umbrella’ for about 30 nonprofit organizations. Involved in health and human services, they receive monetary donations either through payroll deductions or directly from donors. In turn, this pool of monetary resources is divided up between involved charities and then distributed. If you are interested in making a contribution, contact your local branch. Visit their website for more information at www.unitedway.com.
If a vehicle donation is more to your liking, many nonprofits will receive your donation and convert it to cash. This cash will be used to purchase needed goods and services that are useful to them. Plus, you get the tax deduction for the fair market value of your vehicle upon donation date. Vehicles must usually be ‘complete’ – meaning there are no broken windows, fat tires, missing parts, etc. In other words, even though it may not be in running condition, it still must have an engine.
The Salvation Army is an organization we are all familiar with. With such a long, rich history, it offers a variety of services. We are all familiar with the bell ringers collecting donations for the Salvation Army, but how about the Angel Tree as found in various stores throughout your county? Trees are decorated with cards containing names, ages, and gender of children on them. Unwrapped new gifts are then put under the tree with the card attached to them. Usually, the Salvation Army will come pick up the gift, wrap it, and deliver it to the intended party. This makes for a happy smile and warm spirit! And�it could not be easier.
The Salvation Army also has an ‘adopt a family’ program whereby businesses can come in and adopt a family for the holidays. Gifts are purchased and delivered, easing the hardship these families face.
In addition to the above, the Salvation Army operates soup banks which serve three meals a day and is always in need of both monetary and food donations. Both nonperishable (macaroni and cheese, canned goods, etc.) and perishables (fresh produce, bread, etc.) are needed and welcomed. Canisters and bins are located throughout towns for nonperishable item collections.
For the handcrafting donor, the Knitting Tree, sponsored by the Soroptomist Club, provides a wonderful way to get involved. Located nationwide, the Soroptomists are known for their community work. The Knitting Tree is beautifully decorated with items such as knitted hats, mittens, and scarves. Knitted blankets are placed underneath the tree and provide an aura of comfort. Even though being homemade is not a requirement, local talented individuals craft the majority of items. The recipients of these wonderful gifts range from premature to senior ages and are all located within various worthy causes such as those found in hospitals.
The Soroptomist’s also conduct food drives and cosponsor various events throughout the year to support the community. Visit their website at www.soroptomist.org for more information.
If the issue of domestic violence is of concern to you, donate goods to a battered women’s shelter. They usually are discreet in location and public information availability, so check around. Items that are needed usually include travel size toiletries, coffee mugs, playing cards, phone cards, cell phones, small toys, animal crackers, Kleenex, coloring books – amongst other items. Nonperishable food items usually needed include instant oatmeal, tuna fish, and breakfast food. There also is a need for clean, lidded baby food jars – to package personal care items. Shelter wish items include: twin and double size linens, pillows, lamps, wall clocks, bunk beds, utensils – and many more.
Various food banks are always in need of donations. Common needed items include peanut butter, hot cereals, plastic grocery bags, baby food jars, toothpaste, canned foods, macaroni and cheese, and bread. Look around for canisters and drop off locations for your donations. Also, check your local directory for addresses and contacts.
Due to recent hurricane and natural catastrophes, there is an elevated need for donations of all kinds. Let us not forget those less fortunate than us and help out. Everyone will benefit both spiritually and physically.
